Dubbo Field Naturalist and Conservation Society celebrate 40 years
IT’S been 40 years since the formation of the Dubbo Field Naturalist and Conservation Society and over the years the group has successfully advocated and raised awareness regarding the environmental issues facing the Dubbo region.
The Dubbo Field Naturalist and Conservation Society is the only environmental group in the area and work towards ensuring a sustainable future for residents of Dubbo through their three aims; to foster interest, knowledge and enjoyment in natural history, particularly in the Dubbo region, to speak out on environmental and conservation issues, particularly those affecting our area and to achieve these aims by meetings with lectures, discussions and field trips.
The group consists of 80 members who all share an interest in preserving the natural cultural heritage of Dubbo. The society’s correspondent secretary Janis Hosking said they work with the local council, monitoring any issues that may arise and taking action when needed.
“We’re always putting in submissions to council for various things, we have a good working relationship with them.”
While Janis notes the positive increase in solar panels and recycling throughout the community, she believes conservation in Dubbo has changed mostly for the worst in recent years.
“Dubbo’s getting bigger, I’d like to see it stop growing. They’re getting into areas that we’d like them to stay out of, knocking down the odd paddock here and there and clearing it.”
She states that trying to get people interested and helping is becoming really hard and encourages people to sign up. The group holds monthly meetings and field trips, conducting bird surveys and learning more about the plants in the region.